January (4)

We helped Burches move into their new modular home on Saturday. Afterwards they took us to the local Gem Cannon (sp) and bought us a hamburger. This is kind of a rodeo only they only to barrels and bend poles and a couple of other events. It was fun. We got to watch Chelsie Burch do the barrels on her horse.
Sunday we went to Church (no potluck today). That afternoon, we were cleaning up the porch. When we moved the wood box, a mouse or rat ran out from under it. The front porch is looking really nice.

Monday, January29, 2007
We worked outside all day today. We finished cleaning the porch and found a big rat under a cupboard! I had cleaned under it the day before, but hadn’t lifted it up all the way. The rat almost ran in the open door into the house! Then Terry said there is also a rat living in the outhouse. I told him if it popped its head out while I was sitting in there, it would NOT be a petty site! I planted peas today. We should be eating peas by the end of March.
The man we have been talking to at ADOT called today and said he had talked to his boss and they see no reason we have a temporary access to the old road!!! I can’t believe it! He at first said we would have to put in a cattle guard (very expensive), but when I told him there were only three parties that would access the road (he thought there were more people living up here), he said we may only have to put in a swinging gate, but we would be responsible if the gate were left open and then the permit would be taken away. He said to call him back on Wednesday to find out for sure what will be required. We are trying not to get too excited until then, but it would be so nice to be able to pull our Condo in and have a good road for our friends and family to use when they come to visit.
We had a big bonfire on Tuesday to burn all of the weeds, trees, and other things we have gathered to get rid of. We planted a Joshua tree at the front step and I planted pansies. We pulled all of the dead flowers out and pruned the rose bushes.
Larry Turner from AZ Big Sandy came by with a paper for me to sign stating that the water hook-up is not a permanent situation and could be turned off at any time. He said it was just a formality and is looking forward to working with us. We hope it stays that way because it is sure nice to have running water! He also said that he is going to develop his property next us and that within the next four months he will have a roughed-in road where the new County road will be. (We will wait and see!) We told him that we may be getting a temporary permit to open the old road and he offered his help wherever needed.